Need to Know
Need to Know is an American public television news program produced by WNET, and broadcast weekly on all Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) affiliate-stations in the United States. It aired from May 2010 until June 2013. PBS stated that the show was intended to fill the public-affairs and "hard"/investigative news void left by both the one-hour Bill Moyers Journal, and the cancelled, half-hour NOW on PBS. Both departing shows had been long-running, highly rated, and critically acclaimed for their journalistic quality, and focus on issues that deeply impacted regular Americans' lives, yet went largely ignored by commercial TV news outlets. "NTK" branded itself the "TV and Web newsmagazine [that] gives you what you need to know." PBS had described the show as “a multi-platform current affairs news magazine, uniting broadcast and web in an innovative approach to news-gathering and reporting."
Insights
Plot Summary
A mind-bending thriller where technology blurs the lines of reality and perception. When a mysterious phenomenon causes people to forget specific memories, a man becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind this bizarre event. His investigation leads him down a rabbit hole of conspiracy, questioning his own sanity and the nature of memory itself. As the disappearances of personal recollections escalate, he races against time to find answers before his own past is erased.
Critical Reception
Need to Know (also known as 'Perfect' or 'The Third Wave') garnered a mixed to positive reception from critics, who often praised its ambitious premise and unsettling atmosphere. However, many found the narrative somewhat convoluted and the philosophical explorations occasionally underdeveloped. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some appreciating its unique concept and others finding it too abstract.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its intriguing sci-fi premise and suspenseful tone.
- Criticized for a sometimes confusing plot and a lack of clear resolution.
- Acknowledged for its atmospheric direction and thought-provoking themes.
Google audience: Audiences found the film's concept to be original and engaging, with many appreciating the suspenseful build-up. However, some viewers expressed frustration with the film's ambiguous ending and felt that the plot became too complex to follow easily. There were also comments that the film required multiple viewings to fully grasp.
Awards & Accolades
None notable.
Fun Fact
The film was originally titled 'Perfect' and later 'The Third Wave' before settling on 'Need to Know' for its release.
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